The Los Angeles City Council issued a special proclamation to declare August 11 as “Fernando Valenzuela Day” in the city of Los Angeles. Valenzuela joins Justin Turner, who played nine seasons for the Los Angeles Dodgers, in being recognized with such an honor by the city.
Valenzuela was on hand at City Hall for the start of a celebratory weekend that will also see his No. 34 officially retired by the Dodgers.
Team president and CEO Stan Kasten revealed during 2023 Dodgers FanFest that Valenzuela’s jersey would be retired and added to the Dodger Stadium Ring of Honor.
“To be a part of the group that includes so many legends is a great honor,” Valenzuela said. “But also for the fans — the support they’ve given me as a player and working for the Dodgers, this is also for them. I’m happy for all the fans and all the people who have followed my career. They’re going to be very excited to know that my No. 34 is being retired.”
Valenzuela is joining Pee Wee Reese (#1), Tommy Lasorda (#2), Duke Snider (#4), Gil Hodges (#14). Jim Gilliam (#19), Don Sutton (#20), Walter Alston (#24), Sandy Koufax (#32), Roy Campanella (#39), Jackie Robinson (#42) and Don Drysdale (#53) as numbers retired by the Dodgers.
The organization has also recognized Vin Scully and Jaime Jarrín with a microphone being on display for each of the Hall of Fame broadcasters.
In 2019, Valenzuela was inducted into the “Legends of Dodger Baseball” as part of the inaugural class.
“Fernandomania” weekend at Dodger Stadium
A Fernando Valenzuela celebration at Dodger Stadium has been planned for August 11-13, beginning with the jersey retirement ceremony and special postgame drone show on Friday.
On Saturday, first 40,000 ticketed fans in attendance will receive a collector’s edition Valenzuela bobblehead. Then on Sunday, a replica Valenzuela 1981 World Series ring is the designated Dodger Stadium giveaway.
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